Search ends when body found at Lake Darling

BRIGHTON (GTNS) — A search for a missing person from the city of Washington ended this morning when a body was found in the timber area of Lake Darling State Park.

Washington County Sheriff Jerry Dunbar said the subject has been identified, but the identity is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Dunbar said the body has been removed and an autopsy will be performed.

“There doesn’t appear to be any foul play, but we are still going to continue the investigation as a homicide until the results of the autopsy come back,” Dunbar said.

The discovery of the body this morning ended the search, which had been under way for the last two days.

Lake Darling park rangers discovered the subject’s car Thursday evening in the campground area on the east side of the 1,400-acre park. A note in the vehicle gave law enforcement officials concern for the subject’s safety.

“The subject hasn’t been at work and hasn’t been home since Tuesday,” Dunbar said. “We checked with his family, and they said they hadn’t seen him since Tuesday.”

Rangers searched the area Thursday evening, but due to the rainy weather and the declining daylight, the search was called off until this morning.

About 40 volunteers, including deputies, reserve officers, firefighters, Department of Natural Resources employees, the Washington K9 officer and others, were called to help in the search this morning. A Washington County Ambulance also stood by during the search.